The Conservation Department purchased this 160-acre tract of land in 1982. It contains quality examples of lowland swamp and bottomland forest in Missouri. A 76-acre portion of the area is designated as a Missouri Natural Area and is managed and protected for its educational and scientific values.
The area’s bottomland forests support bald cypress, swamp tupelo, water locust, sweetgum, willow oak, overcup oak, water hickory, swamp chestnut oak, water elm, swamp privet, and many other species. A seven-acre natural lake, near the center of the area, is ringed with cypress-tupelo swamp. Some of the bald cypress trees are more than 500 years old. The lake contains swamp species, including the endangered taillight shiner and swamp darter.
A boardwalk and platform have been constructed on the western side of the lake for nature viewing and photography. Tree seedlings and acorns have been planted in most open fields to help restore the diverse forest communities the land once supported. Over time, these areas will add to our dwindling supply of lowland bottomland forests.
Hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, dog training, launching and landing boats are allowed 24 hours a day on areas where these activities are permitted.
Allred Lake Natural Area is five miles east of Neelyville on Route 142 and 2.5 miles south on Route H to a southbound gravel road.